Srinagar, Sept 9: A delegation of intern doctors is set to meet the Health Minister today in yet another effort to seek a resolution to their long-pending demand for a hike in internship stipend.
A two-member delegation representing intern doctors from Jammu is currently on its way from Jammu to Srinagar for the meeting. The delegation includes Dr Shahnawaz, Additional Secretary of the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA), and Dr Umair.
The protest by intern doctors over the stipend issue entered its ninth day on Tuesday, with the interns continuing to press the government for an early decision on their demand.
A few days ago, a delegation of intern doctors had met Health Minister Sakina Itoo, during which the government sought additional time to examine the matter and indicated that it would require around one month to take a decision.
However, with the protest continuing, the intern doctors are once again seeking government intervention and a time-bound resolution to the issue.
Speaking ahead of today’s meeting, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, AIMSA President, J&K said the interns remain hopeful that the government will take a positive step.
“We hope the Government will take a positive step for the intern doctors today,” Dr Momin Khan said.
The intern doctors have been demanding a revision of their stipend, arguing that the existing amount does not adequately reflect the workload and responsibilities shouldered by them during their internship.
The outcome of today’s meeting with the Health Minister is expected to determine the future course of the ongoing agitation.
